What else can you possible call it?
With respect to Theodore Dreiser, no fiction writer could dream up this mess. It would be a great story, if only it weren’t real.
I didn’t intend to write about it…but I also didn’t think John Edwards could sink any lower than he already had. I love words but I don’t have any to describe him. Watching 20/ 20 hit me wherever is below below the belt. And maybe I feel this personally because I know the fragility of someone with cancer.
Yet even the cancer card isn’t protecting Elizabeth Edwards; her nasty phone message is being played as just another scene in the story. And though I feel protective toward her myself, many blame her for continuing to support his candidacy.
Everyone involved was manipulated by something or someone bigger than themselves. From Andrew Young who bought into the charisma to his wife, willing to shield the secret so Elizabeth wouldn’t die knowing about Rielle Hunter.
Every one of them drank the Kool-Aid. Sickening. Sordid. Sad.
Yet this is just another story in a list as long as Tiger’s list of mistresses.
The only surprise is that anyone is surprised anymore —the public, or the people who get caught. Though maybe John Edwards’ story outweighs Tiger’s in hubris, you have to believe the only worse stories are the ones we haven’t heard yet…..till the revolving door spins and the next deer gets caught in the headlights.
They’re victims of the most potent and pernicious elixir on the planet : power.
Power of money. Position. Fame. Any or all of the above.
It’s like cancer itself, eating into values and religion and morality—which are all at risk no matter who you are and what you hold dear.
The poison of power can puncture holes in character; strip away sense and sensitivity; remove reason and rationality.
And the public plays its part. . We build up our heroes and fall under their spell–letting them sell us everything from pet food to politicians. We buy into the image just like they do. We hand them the keys to the kingdom and then we wonder why they believe they really are kings…..and emperors.
Sometimes we all forget to remember: the emperor has no clothes.
Especially when we’re living in a time of transparency…. when anyone with a cellphone is carrying a loaded weapon and 140 characters on a screen can change the world.
So we can clearly see through the hubris to the human being…….time and time again. They never seem to learn the lesson here. And neither do we.
Also posted on the Huffington Post
Beautifully said…Well written piece! We, in North Carolina are disgusted by John Edwards. His behavior is an embarrassment to his family and to the State of North Carolina.I have nothing but respect for Elizabeth Edwards.
Great piece, Darryle. I have not been keeping up with this soap opera, I have little patience for the media or their subjects when it comes to these stories, but I know enough to wholeheartedly agree with you.
Thank you. Until I saw 20/20 I avoided most of the details of this story too. Wish I didn’t know them, No one comes out looking good– although I agree with Debi—I think Elizabeth’s circumstances trump anything she’s done—I just don’t know how she endures all the challenges and loss she’s had in her life.
Like you, I had avoided the details until 20/20 opened my eyes (yes, yes, I know, but I couldn’t resist. When the program was over, I felt as if I needed a bath. I remember how ballyhooed Elizabeth was at BlogHer 08, and I’m not sure if I felt conned by her or such mad that politics create such lousy behavior. And scared…what will we find out about the Obama’s?
Oy. I felt the same way after 20/20. I didn’t know Elizabeth was at BlogHer 08. I don’t agree with everything she’s done and I’ve heard stories about her not-so-sweet-side, but I just can’t get myself to judge her harshly. I think it’s amazing she can get out of bed in the morning.
I was standing in an airport hurrying back to my hometown after learning that my cancer had recurred when on the television screen I saw the Edwards family announcing that the candidacy show would go on, even with Elizabeth’s diagnosis.
My knees buckled, I blurted out “No!” and burst into tears.
Great commentary, Darryl, but I’m not letting Elizabeth off the hook. Cancer is no excuse for drinking the Power Kool-Aid. In that airport, I realized that those two had made a pact with the political devil a long time ago. Since then, I have avoided any news of both of them like the plague. Those children . . .
What a poignant moment–I hope you are doing okay healthwise.
I too was heartbroken that the campaign was going on–but I’m trying not to judge decisions I don’t understand–like that one. I also try not to think about those kids….